Harry Partch

Harry Partch (1901-1974) can be considered one of the most idiosyncratic and visionary composers of this century. To (re) discover the primitive, evocative and magical powers of music, he designed a completely new microtonal tone system, on which non-Western music had a major influence. Partch created a microtonal language with 43 tones in the octave and designed and built all the instruments for his ensemble. Language also took a special place in his theatrical, mainly percussive music. This program provides an overview of the work of Harry Partch. Video fragments of performances of his work, documentaries about his instruments, slides, an exhibition of scores, books and music are part of this program. Partch fanatic Philip Blackburn gives a lecture. Old, rarely performed works such as ‘Li Po 1-4’, ‘Barstow’ and ‘Bitter Music’ are performed by Didier Aschour (adapted guitar) and Vincent Bouchot (vocals).

Marco Blaauw